Chapter 11 - The Last Trial
Victoria's sentencing drew cameras.
I didn't attend.
Chloe's sentencing did.
Not because I wanted punishment.
Because she requested I hear her statement.
She stood before the judge.
“I grew up believing wealth was evidence that our family deserved more than other people.”
Her voice shook.
“My mother taught me appearances mattered because appearances protected us.”
She looked at me.
“I helped a dangerous man because I thought losing money would be worse than betraying Isabella.”
Tears fell.
“I don't ask her forgiveness.”
Good.
“I only want the court to know she told the truth long before I did.”
Chloe received prison time, though less than prosecutors originally sought because of cooperation.
Outside, I gave no statement.
Grant walked beside me.
“Do you think she'll change?”
“I don't know.”
“You changed.”
He frowned.
“I wasn't like her.”
“No.”
“I mean—”
“I know.”
I smiled slightly.
“You still changed.”
Grant considered that.
“Fair.”
He had become one of my closest allies.
Life surprised me there.
May you like
The cousin raised to see me as competition became family only after we stopped competing.
Maybe that was the real inheritance Grandpa couldn't put in a deed.
